Description
We have heard, “You should be able to tell which character is speaking without a dialogue tag,” and “Make your story more interesting by increasing conflict between your characters.” In this hands-on workshop, we will introduce the Four Personal Styles framework—Thinker, Driver, Gatherer, and Exciter. We’ll explore how each style creates natural character conflicts through dialogue, conversational topics, and reactions.
Learning Objectives/Outcomes
Understand the core traits of each of the four personal styles
Analyze your own characters by aligning them to these four styles
Examine conflicts that arise from opposing styles like “Prepare vs. Act” or “Task vs. Group”
Discuss incorporating these styles to distinguish characters and drive compelling conflicts
You’ll leave with concrete takeaways to immediately apply this tool to your own writing.
Who is this for?
Anyone writing a novel for young readers, including chapter books, middle grade, and young adult looking to enhance character development and inject more organic conflict into their stories. If your characters sound alike or agree too often, this workshop will provide you with a proven technique to create characters with distinct perspectives that argue productively. Both emerging writers and seasoned authors will find value in this practical character creation tool.
Format
An online presentation on Zoom with hands-on exercises and a Q&A at the end.
About the Presenter
The Crafting KidLit Group Coaching Program includes a feature where members can develop and share presentations with the community.
This presentation is Fred Lindgren’s adaptation of the “Personal Styles” framework, developed by David Merrill and Roger Reid in 1964. Fred used this in his business career to develop teams, and has now applied the framework to developing characters.
Price
$10
This event is FREE for members of the Crafting KidLit Coaching Program.
If you’re not a member:
Includes access to the live workshop and the recording for 30 days.